SANTA CRUZ (KCBS) – A new visitor center showcasing Monterey Bay is getting closer to opening its doors in Santa Cruz. The facility, now under construction, is almost two decades in the making.

Back in 1992 President George H. W. Bush signed legislation establishing Monterey Bay as America’s largest national marine sanctuary. Now, a new center being built in the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf will help people explore that sanctuary.

The two-story, $15 million visitors center is expected to open this summer.

KCBS’ Betsy Gebhart Reports:

“A lot of people come here and stand on our coast and look out at the beautiful bay, but they don’t really know what’s underneath the water. This exploration center will really provide a window for people,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Don Lane.

He said that Monterey Bay is really the equivalent of an underwater Yosemite, with its enormous canyons and abundance of wildlife.

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Betsy Gebhart

Betsy Gebhart has been a reporter in the KCBS Santa Clara county bureau for the last 5 years. She is a veteran radio and tv reporter. She started her news career at KDB Radio in Santa Barbara, and KPRO Radio in Riverside. More recently, she worked...